Kiama’s upcoming ‘Clearly Music, Art & Wellness Festival’ has announced a major coup with Australian music legend and Midnight Oil lead singer Peter Garrett joining the lineup.

Garrett will be the keynote speaker for the festival’s Clearer Workshop event on 10 November before performing songs from his solo discography with his band, The Alter Egos, the following night at Kiama Showground on 11 November.

Festival co-founder Dom Furber was thrilled to announce Garrett to the lineup, saying his dedication to environmental causes aligned perfectly with the spirit of the festival.

"From my early days in Gerringong, I have fond memories of my dad blasting Midnight Oil's incredible music, and I’m still blasting the incredibly important (not just catchy) records today,” Furber added.

Garrett himself is keen to get back on stage, having recently played his final run of shows with Midnight Oil.

“I’m raring to play again; to talk, sing, perform and connect and The Clearly Music Festival is shaping up as the paramount experience where that can happen,” said Garrett.

Garrett is known as much more than just the frontman of legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil, whose enduring music catalogue includes songs like ‘Beds Are Burning,’ ‘Power and the Passion,’ and ‘Blue Sky Mine’.

A lifelong champion of environmental issues, Garrett’s keynote speech will discuss ways to tackle the looming climate crisis, and how artists, audience and society at large can embrace sustainability as the country transitions away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.

Garrett has earned numerous accolades for his environmental advocacy. He was admitted as a member of the Order of Australia for his work in the music industry and environmental advocacy. He served as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation for ten years before becoming a politician in the Federal Labor Party between 2004 and 2013. 

During his time in politics, Garrett served as Minister for the Environment between 2007 and 2010, where he instigated a successful International Court of Justice case to stop Japan’s whaling industry. He was then appointed as Minister for School Education, where he legislated for a new needs-based funding system for Australian schools.

Garrett continues to champion social justice issues, including finding ways to combat the climate crisis, and campaigning to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

We know Kiama residents and festival goers will have a hard time staying away from the dance floor once Peter Garrett and The Alter Egos hit the stage at the Kiama Showground on 11 November!

Clearly Music, Arts and Wellness Festival will feature live music, art exhibitions, market stalls, amusement rides and more. Already announced artists include iconic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd, ARIA-nominated surf and garage rock trio Skeggs, and critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Ruby Fields and Gretta Ray.